11 Jun 2009

Samoa court to hear appeal of four chiefs jailed for arson

7:22 pm on 11 June 2009

The Supreme Court in Samoa has granted leave to appeal a ruling by the chief justice, Patu Tiava'asu'e Falefatu Sapolu, who had convicted four chiefs of Falelatai village.

The four were jailed in April for arson, obstruction and threatening the police in the execution of their duties and throwing objects.

Their lawyer, Leulua'ialii Tasi Malifa, has been granted leave to appeal after a state lawyer representing the police did not object.

However, an application for a stay of sentence has been denied.

This means the four chiefs won't be released from jail but continue serving sentences of 2 years and 6 months until the matter will be heard in the court of appeal in September.